Don't resent your pregnancy...you may miss it when it's gone

I realize I may be risking some hate-posting in response to this entry, but this topic has been weighing heavily on my mind. I have to preface this by admitting that I had a wonderful, uncomplicated, full-term pregnancy (40 weeks practically to the minute) and a memorable but relatively smooth labor and delivery. I fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes a week after giving birth, and my son sleeps through the night at 3 months...bring on the hate-posts!

It seemed like the minute I got pregnant, everyone else did too. What an exciting thing to be surrounded by other women with whom I could relate and share the wonderful and unparalleled experience of pregnancy and childbirth. Except I seemed to be alone in my exuberance. Everyone else seemed miserable to be pregnant. Suddenly all I heard were constant complaints about heartburn, fat thighs, and even how baby's kicking was keeping one mommy-to-be awake at night. It makes me sad, but also grateful that I had such a wonderful pregnancy. I didn't lament a second of it, despite the typical aches and pains that come with even the most easy of pregnancies. I counted my blessings, and enjoyed every minute, from the long nights of contortionist sleep routines to inexplicable rib pain, and waiting impatiently for labor to start in the middle of the Summer..."sure doc, we'll see you again at next week's checkup."

I don't wish to downplay the (sometimes traumatic) physical symptoms of pregnancy or deny any pregnant woman the well-earned right to bitch about them. But as elated as I am every day to have my son in my arms, I miss my pregnancy. I truly appreciated the miracle going on inside me and for the first time appreciated my womanly body. Suddenly the awkward curves that had made all those cute layered looks wishful thinking at puberty were now responsible for birthing and nourishing a whole new human being. I tried not to think about the stretchmarks or where my waist and butt would end up after it was all said and done.

All I'm saying is, try to enjoy it while it lasts, if for no other reason than the fact that being pregnant is the only time in your life other than your wedding day when you are the complete center of attention - because once baby is born, you are more likely to be to the right, left, or behind it. It also doesn't hurt that being the only sober person at a party is absolutely hilarious, you don't have to suck in your tummy after a big meal, and for 9 months you get to trade in your PMS card for a 24/7 bitch pass. Personally, I can't wait to do it all over again.